Patrick Administration Announces $3.4M for Electric-vehicle Programs

BILLERICA — Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration has announced that applications are being accepted for two programs aimed at growing the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road in Massachusetts, including a rebate program for drivers purchasing or leasing a new EV and a grant program to help install charging stations at workplaces like businesses, nonprofits, and state agencies with 15 or more employees. “These programs further advance the Patrick administration’s goals to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Maeve Vallely Bartlett. “The transportation sector accounts for about one-third of the greenhouse gases emitted, so the deployment of more electric and plug-in vehicles is an important step toward Massachusetts achieving its ambitious goals.” Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Mark Sylvia unveiled the website that new purchasers and leasers can use to apply for their rebates from the $2 million Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV) program. MOR-EV enables Massachusetts residents who purchase or lease an eligible vehicle to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 on vehicles purchased on or after June 18, 2014. “The Patrick Administration is making it easier for more people to choose cleaner cars that have great fuel economy,” said Sylvia. “Electric vehicles are a win-win for the environmental and economic bottom line, and the MOR-EV program moves us closer to meeting the Commonwealth’s emissions-reduction goals for transportation.” Interested drivers can learn more about how to apply for rebates at www.mor-ev.org. Rebates are being funded with proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auctions and are available on a first-come, first-served basis until all the funds have been committed. All applications must be submitted within three months of purchase or lease, starting on June 18, 2014. Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Commissioner David Cash announced the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program’s workplace-charging grants. Under this grant program, MassDEP will provide 50% of the funding for charging-station hardware costs (up to $25,000) for employers to install Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations for electric and plug-in electric vehicles. This program will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. “By collaborating across agencies and the private sector, we are solving the chicken-and-egg problem — getting more plug-in vehicles on our roads and more charging stations at the same time,” said Cash. “With the launch of the Patrick administration’s innovative programs to support increased electric-vehicle deployment, we can reduce greenhouse gases and petroleum use, save drivers on energy costs, and meet our aggressive local air-pollution, clean-energy, and climate goals.